ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE Statement on Ontario closure of coal plants

Statement by Gillian McEachern, Campaigns Director on Ontario closure of coal plants: Toronto, ON — We applaud the closure of the last coal plants in Southern Ontario. The complete elimination of coal-fired electricity in the province represents the largest reduction in global warming pollution on the continent. Not that long ago, the Nanticoke coal plant was the largest single source point of global warming pollution in North America. Today’s announcement means less smog, less carbon pollution and fewer kids with asthma. Coal plants are responsible for deaths and thousands of illnesses in Ontario each year. Getting Ontario off coal is possible because of the massive scale up of renewable energy in the province. Moving forward, we urge the province to continue the transition to a clean energy economy by increasing its goals for renewable energy and energy conservation. About ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (www.environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is Canada’s most effective environmental action organization. We challenge, and inspire change in government, business and people to ensure a greener, healthier and prosperous life for all. -30- For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact: Stephanie Kohls, Environmental Defence, 647-280-9521 (cell), skohls@environmentaldefence.ca